This area of study focuses on molecular genetics and the investigation not only of individual units of
inheritance, but also of the genomes of individuals and species. Students investigate inheritance in
asexually reproducing organisms and the mechanism and patterns of transmission of heritable traits
in sexually reproducing organisms.
VCE STUDY DESIGN BIOLOGY Unit 4
Students examine the process of meiosis in terms of inputs and outputs and, in accounting for variations
in offspring, consider the interplay between genotype and environmental factors, the significance of
mutations in DNA, and the relationship between alleles.
Students investigate the techniques and technologies that are used to amplify DNA, identify the genetic
profi le of organisms and manipulate and modify the genomes of organisms. They undertake practical
investigations that involve manipulation of DNA and inheritance of traits. They trace patterns of
inheritance by analysis of pedigrees.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse evidence for the molecular basis of
heredity, and patterns of inheritance.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge outlined in area of study 1, and key
skills listed on page 12.
Key knowledge
This knowledge includes
• molecular genetics
– genome, gene expression; genes as units of inheritance
– principal events in transcription and translation;
• tools and techniques: gel electrophoresis; DNA profiling; DNA sequencing; DNA recombination;
DNA amplification; gene cloning, gene transformation; gene delivery systems;
• transmission of heritable characteristics
– genes as units of inheritance; gene regulation
– eukaryote chromosomes, alleles; prokaryote chromosome and plasmids;
• cell reproduction: cell cycle, DNA replication, apoptosis; binary fission; gamete production; inputs
and outputs of meiosis;
• variation: mutations; genotype, phenotype; continuous, discontinuous variation;
• patterns of inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms
– one gene locus: monohybrid cross including dominance, recessiveness, co-dominance; multiple
alleles
– two gene loci: dihybrid cross
– pedigree analysis: autosomal, sex-linked inheritance; test cross.
VCE UNIT 4 BIOLOGY STUDY DESIGN: HEREDITY
This area of study focuses on molecular genetics and the investigation not only of individual units of
inheritance, but also of the genomes of individuals and species. Students investigate inheritance in
asexually reproducing organisms and the mechanism and patterns of transmission of heritable traits
in sexually reproducing organisms.
VCE STUDY DESIGN BIOLOGY Unit 4
Students examine the process of meiosis in terms of inputs and outputs and, in accounting for variationsin offspring, consider the interplay between genotype and environmental factors, the significance of
mutations in DNA, and the relationship between alleles.
Students investigate the techniques and technologies that are used to amplify DNA, identify the genetic
profi le of organisms and manipulate and modify the genomes of organisms. They undertake practical
investigations that involve manipulation of DNA and inheritance of traits. They trace patterns of
inheritance by analysis of pedigrees.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse evidence for the molecular basis of
heredity, and patterns of inheritance.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge outlined in area of study 1, and key
skills listed on page 12.
Key knowledge
This knowledge includes
• molecular genetics
– genome, gene expression; genes as units of inheritance
– principal events in transcription and translation;
• tools and techniques: gel electrophoresis; DNA profiling; DNA sequencing; DNA recombination;
DNA amplification; gene cloning, gene transformation; gene delivery systems;
• transmission of heritable characteristics
– genes as units of inheritance; gene regulation
– eukaryote chromosomes, alleles; prokaryote chromosome and plasmids;
• cell reproduction: cell cycle, DNA replication, apoptosis; binary fission; gamete production; inputs
and outputs of meiosis;
• variation: mutations; genotype, phenotype; continuous, discontinuous variation;
• patterns of inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms
– one gene locus: monohybrid cross including dominance, recessiveness, co-dominance; multiple
alleles
– two gene loci: dihybrid cross
– pedigree analysis: autosomal, sex-linked inheritance; test cross.